Research Experience Placements (REPs) Summer 2026 at the University of Edinburgh: Paid Research Opportunity for Students

If you’re an undergraduate or integrated Master’s student looking to gain hands-on research experience this summer, the Research Experience Placements (REPs) for Summer 2026 at the University of Edinburgh present an outstanding opportunity. Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) under the E5 Doctoral Training Partnership, these placements are designed to help students explore careers in environmental sciences through real-world research projects.

Why You Should Apply

The REPs program offers more than just a summer activity—it provides a meaningful step toward a future in research or postgraduate study. Participants will:

• Work on real research projects supervised by leading academics
• Receive mentorship from current PhD students
• Gain practical skills in environmental science research
• Build confidence and clarify career pathways
• Earn a salary above the National Living Wage

This is a highly valuable experience, particularly for students considering postgraduate study or research-focused careers.

Placement Overview

• Duration: 7–8 weeks (June–August 2026)
• Working Options: Full-time or part-time
• Salary: Paid at University of Edinburgh Grade 3.1 (pro-rata from £24,729/year)
• Location: Edinburgh and partner institutions including the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Start Date: Earliest start from 15 June 2026

Please note that participants must be physically based in the UK for the duration of the placement.

Research Projects Available

Students can apply to one project only. Topics include:

• Wildlife ecology and animal behavior
• Soil chemistry and hydrogen measurement
• Climate and glacier research
• Plant taxonomy and biodiversity
• Agricultural sustainability
• Marine ecology and oxygen dynamics
• Conservation strategies for tropical forests

Each project is supervised by an expert in the field, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in their first undergraduate degree (including integrated Master’s) at a UK Higher Education Institution
• Not have previously completed a NERC REP
• Meet NERC PhD funding eligibility requirements
• Have the right to work or study in the UK for the full placement duration

Students in their final year are eligible if they have not graduated before the placement begins.

Commitment to Inclusion

The program strongly encourages applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds, including:

• Ethnic minority groups
• Students with disabilities
• Individuals from low-income backgrounds

Applicants may submit a Widening Participation statement to provide context about their experiences.

Important Considerations

• No funding is provided for relocation or accommodation
• Applicants must ensure they can commute to the placement location
• A final report must be submitted at the end of the program

Application Process

To apply, submit the following documents via email:

• Completed application form
• Academic reference
• Interim academic transcript
• Equality and Diversity Monitoring form

Optional: Widening Participation statement

Deadline: 12:00 Noon (UK time), Friday 1 May 2026

Applications must be complete at the time of submission.

How to Apply

Find full details and application materials here:

APPLY HERE. 

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Final Thoughts

The Research Experience Placements at the University of Edinburgh offer a rare chance to immerse yourself in meaningful research while earning a salary. With limited placements available, early preparation is essential. If you’re serious about a future in environmental science or research, this opportunity could be a turning point.